The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Prime-tome playoff rematch
The Falcons will kick off the NFL season at the Eagles on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 8:20 p.m. It will be a rematch of last season’s NFC divisional round game. The Falcons have another high-profile game when they play at the Saints on Thanksgiving night. Here
Season opener: at Eagles, Sept. 6
The Eagles went 13-3 and went on to win the Super Bowl last season. Quarterback Carson Wentz is expected to return from reconstructive knee surgery and will take back over for Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles. The Eagles defense is led by defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. The Eagles added former Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow to help provide depth. Overall series: Eagles lead 16-13-1.
Monday: Giants at Falcons, Oct. 22
Eli Manning and Matt Ryan have battled in the past with Ryan winning the past meeting. However, Manning has a 24-2 playoff victory over Ryan. Pat Shurmur takes over as coach for the fired Ben McAdoo. The Giants went 3-13 last season and finished in last place in the NFC East. WR Odell Beckham Jr. will try to bounce back.
Overall series: Falcons lead 12-11.
Cowboys at Falcons, Nov. 18
The Cowboys, who went 9-7 and finished second in the NFC East last season, return to Atlanta for the second consecutive season. They dumped high-priced WR Dez Bryant and will turn the offense over to QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott. RG Zach Martin sets the tone up front on a mean and nasty offensive line. Overall series: Cowboys lead 14-11.
Thanksgiving: at Saints, Nov. 22
QB Drew Brees is back for his 13th season with the Saints (18th in NFL). Brees did not show signs of slippage as he led the Saints to the NFC South title and the divisional round of the playoffs last season. The Saints hope RB Alvin Kamara can follow up his sensational rookie season. Overall series: Falcons lead 51-46.